2016 College Women of the Year: Demi Payne

"I was a junior at the University of Kansas when I found out I was pregnant. I thought: I can't be a mom. I was in a new relationship and determined to follow in the footsteps of my World Championship-pole-vaulter dad, Bill Payne. But when I told my dad, he said he'd do anything to help me get to the Olympics. So I vowed: I can do this. I took a year off from school, moved home to Texas, and kept on training. At nine months' pregnant, I was doing sprints in our yard! Four days after giving birth, I was back on the track. I know, insane. I'm now the number-two-ranked female indoor pole-vaulter in the world. But I have help; Charlee's dad (he's now my fiancé) is always there for me. My goal: Taking home the gold this summer in Rio—and becoming the first woman to clear 17 feet. More than anything, I want Charlee to know that setbacks let you show people what you're really made of. Struggle helps you find your strength."

—Payne, a kinesiology major, is the USA Track & Field indoor national pole-vaulting champion.